Her taciturn glances had begun to snowball into a relentless flurry of darting eyes.

A ripple of motion across the discrete edges of the ballroom marked the wake of her passage. Deft hands tapped the latch, allowing the briefest moment of night to enter as she slipped into the streetlight washed avenue. The murmuring sounds devoid of value permeated through walls and windows – chasing her quick steps into darkness.

Winter clouds barred a waxing moon from view while they sent patterned shards of heaven flitting down upon shadowy lands.

Walking with a determination lost on the empty path, letting the cold night air dust her bare arms – Sophie let down her hair.
Inhaling deeply of the crisp night air, blinking back tears that threatened to fall and crystalize on her face – Sophie let down her hair.

It was the work of a moment to slip off her flats and socks, then she caught up the edge of her gown and stepped off of the road, disappearing into the night.